Former U.S. President Donald Trump addressed Gaza’s humanitarian crisis during a campaign stop on Monday, noting there is “real starvation” there and promising that his administration would work to deliver emergency assistance while making sure it does not reach Hamas.
Trump noted the real starvation taking place in Gaza as he delivered remarks at a rally in Orlando, Florida. “We will make sure food and water reaches those in need – but nothing will be given to terrorists; innocent civilians shouldn’t suffer.”
Trump’s remarks represent one of his clearest acknowledgements to date of the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza, where United Nations agencies have warned of famine-like conditions caused by Israeli military operations and limited access to food, water and medical supplies. According to UN agencies’ Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), more than 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population faces emergency levels of food insecurity.
Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner in 2024 presidential elections, made his remarks part of a wider foreign policy platform emphasizing peace through strength and “accountability for all sides”. He pledged his administration would pressure Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza but stressed its safety must also be carefully managed.
“Our mission is two-fold,” Trump assured supporters. “Not only will we bring in aid, but also ensure it reaches where it should.” This means keeping it out of Hamas hands – something this administration lacks the capacity to do. To be successful at both ends, leadership is necessary – something this administration lacks.
His remarks came amid growing global outrage at Gaza’s worsening situation. Over the last two weeks, multiple aid agencies such as World Food Program (WFP) and UNICEF issued urgent pleas for unrestricted access into Gaza citing fears that generations of children face malnutrition and long-term trauma from blockades of humanitarian supplies.
Trump’s comments appear to address both domestic and international audiences, appealing both to pro-Israel voters while signaling concern for Palestinian civilians. Trump was known during his presidency for his staunch support of Israel – including moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and brokering Abraham Accords – yet his recent comments appear more nuanced as he presents himself as an international problem solver.
Trump’s statements received mixed responses. Some humanitarian groups cautiously welcomed his acknowledgement of Gaza’s crisis. Samira Khalil from Relief for Gaza stated, however, that any public recognition should be followed up with action that promote neutral aid delivery and meaningful assistance programs.
Progressive lawmakers have strongly criticized the Biden administration, believing they have failed to exert sufficient pressure on Israel to ease the blockade and allow more aid into Gaza. Meanwhile, White House officials insist all parties comply with international humanitarian law.
As Gaza worsens and diplomatic channels remain compromised, President Donald Trump’s comments have provided a fresh angle on U.S. political debate around Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. How his promises translate into policy or campaign rhetoric remains to be seen.